Hillsboro recorder., 1887-10-06
HLIsBoRo n c. THURSDAY OCTOBER s. 1881
THE @. A. B. MEET.
81. Lads, BIo.. Gives the Soldiers q Very
Cordial Weicouie.

Cordial Welcome.
No such crowd was ever handled in ST.
Louis, Mo-, 8s appeared at the first day
OF the assembling in annual encampment
OF the G. A. r. Veterans. Governors and
ex-goyern0rs reported from time to time,
and the I, lowing were ready to take tho
reviewing stand: Governor Oglesby, Of
Illinois; Rusk, Of Wisconsin; Stone, Of
California; Fletcher, Of Missouri; Craw-
ford, Of Kansas; Evans, of Colorado;
Sanders, Of Nebraska; Pierrcpont, Of
West Virginia; Ex-Governor William
Spraguc, OF Rhode Island; ex.Vice Pres
ident Hannibal Hamlin. An extended
programme OF receptions, luncheons and
dinners had been prepared for their en-
icrtainmcnt for the week. In the evening
the doors Of the Merchants Exchange
were thrown open for the soldiers and
their friends, who were vending their
way to the reception rendered by the citi-
zens OF st. Louis, and the immense cham-
Der was pfofnscly decorated with bunt-
ing, flags and stripes and streamers hang
ing gracefully from the balconies. A
great banner welcomed the boys of '6f.
A fonntainln the middle Of the hall, filed
with flowers and surrounded by tropical
plants, dashed jets Of water into spray,
and rs the great center piece separated
the great masses Of the people who filled
the hall long before the hour set for the
welcome address, and band discoursed
stirringa airs, While the crowd awaited the
coming OF the speakers. Mayor Francis,
accompanied by war governors and other
distinguished guests, entered the hall
and took places on the platform. A few
minutes later Gen. Sherman entered. ac-
companied BY two friends, and succeeded
in getting almost on the platform before
he was discovered by the veterans. Then
a shout went up and rousing cheer.
The general was given an arm char In
front Of the platform near the speakers
rostrum,
Mayor Francis arose, and turning to-
wards Gen. Fairchild extended a hearty
welcome to the Grand Army of the Re-
public. lie called the commander-in-
chiefs attention 10 the fact that not only
comrades-in-arms were working harmoni-
ously side by side by many who, quar-
ter of century ago, were arrayed against
them in civil strife, and Gen. Fairchild
responded TO the cordial greeting by the
assurance that when the invitation was
accepted, il was with the belief and knowl.
edge that st. Louis would do just as she
had done, and there was not moment
when members Of the Grand Army
doubted the hospitable reception they
were TO receive, OF the moment that they
ever thought Of not coming. To men
who wore the gray he could say, they met
them with feelings Of love and confidence.
and extend to them the right hand of fell
lowship. The Grand Army did not dig
up the hatchet or wave the bloody shirt.
There neycrhad been, from 1867 to the
present time, among comrades, thought
or feeling Of malice to the South. Here
tonight were given words OF welcome
which would ring out through the land,
and when the Grand Army goes home
they will leave behind portion Of their
hearts. As his voice died out, a call for
Gen. sherman was followed by a dozen
racre and then flood Of cheers, but they
apparently fell on deaf cars, for. though
looking directly over the sea Of faces, the
general gaze no sign Of response, and
Mayor Francis seized the opportunity or
the lull to introduce ex-Vice President
Hannibal Hamlin. Gov. 0glesby, Of ILL.,
inois kept up the enthusiasm by jocu-
lar assault upon Gen. Sherman for not re-
spending 70 the repeated calls. Ashe rc.
tired, the name Of Sherman few from
mouth 70 mouth, and an ovation greeted
"Uncle Billy" as lie rose TO answer to the
calls. Gen. Sherman found opportunity
70 retire, and rs the echo died out the
baud struck up Marching Through
Georgia. = The veterans quickly caught
the tune and 1000 voice, rent the air
again and again until the hall re.echocd
with their choruses. Gov. Thayer. OF
N,braska, Gov. sprague, Of Rhode Il.
land, Gov. solomon, Of California, and
olLcr honored guest. made speeches, and
the evenings reception closed with three
rousing cheers.